My Willys 3A and 3B Community
Your Projects => Your CJ-3B Project => Topic started by: OlDaz on November 04, 2020, 05:55:46 AM
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My CJ3B finally arrived this evening. It's an Australian built RHD. I was told 1957, but need to confirm. No data plates and re-powered with an Australian 186 cid Holden straight 6. It was repaired/overhauled many years ago and has done some 3000 miles since, although this mileage was achieved early and it's sat in storage for an unknown but lengthy period.
I plan to work through whatever needs doing to put it back on the road as soon as possible. The wheels on it will go and original type wheels will go back on, then it's a matter of making it all work again. It came with 2 original wheels with good 6.00 NDT's and 2 that appear to be GPW combat rims with bad 7.00 NDT's, so that's a good start.
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The fun begins!!
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Spent a few hours yesterday figuring out the wiring. It was professionally done many years ago, so no wiring diagram and many switches that don't seem to do anything. The wiring is in good condition, but every switch seems to be non-operational. New marine quality switches ordered and I dug through the parts bin for a column mounted indicator switch to replace the faulty one on the dash. In the process of restoring the vintage Hella switch I had in the parts bin. Now looking for a suitable headlight switch to replace the faulty toggle switch on the dash. Amazing how good the electric system is, but more amazing how bad all the bits connected to it are. The wiper worked for about 2 minutes, then stopped rotating, but kept running, so it looks like new wipers needed as well. The fun had indeed begun :D.
Also listed some parts for sale/swap.
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The fun continues, electrical system has taken longer than anticipated to get sorted. It doesn't help when there's extra switches fitted that don't do anything. I've been using a "known good" switch to test wiring from suspect switches and have now found coiled up wires that haven't been used for anything, frustrating. Finally sorted what needs to be done to fix the flashers correctly and will get that done tomorrow. New window catches ordered, new wiper motors located and will be ordered provided I can get the right arms for them, new park/flasher lights for the front ordered and the list goes on. Spent some time looking in all the usual (and plenty unusual) places for chassis number - no data plates either - made enquiry for new data plates, looks like it might be 46138S - more scrubbing with dremel might help. And these are only a few of the things done or in progress. Hi beam indicator, tyres, clutch linkage and rear wheel cylinders next, then canvas roof and chain covers, etc.
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....and have now found coiled up wires that haven't been used for anything....
Looks like your jeep came with some spare wire!
...looks like it might be 46138S - more scrubbing with dremel might help...
I tried rust removal to find mine but never saw it until after sand blasting.
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Used a small grinding wheel in the dremel and that helped a bit. Problem is the master cylinder is right beside the area where the stamping is and brake fluid spillage over the years has taken the paint off and allowed heavy surface pitting. This is an Australian RHD, so master cylinder and steering box are either side of the stamp area. There's no data plates to cross check what I can see of the number, but if I'm right and it's 46138 it aligns with a '58 CJ3B delivered into South Australia where this one came from.
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I had to go look at photos to refresh my memory. Your setup is like these two images?
(https://cj3b.info/Photos/Australia/RHD/RHDBrake.jpg)
(https://cj3b.info/Photos/Australia/Hoodblocks/rhd_brake_clutch.jpg)
No wonder you're having a challenge. I assume you've scanned this article on the stampings and know there may be another spot near the rear on the same right side frame rail.
https://cj3b.info/SerialNos/SerialNosFrame.html
I don't believe the rear stamp (if present) would be readable without lifting the tub.
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Yes, been reading everything I can on this and other sites to get as much info about the "B" as possible. Really don't want to lift the body at this time, especially as I doubt the number would be in 2 places. The new switches have arrived and been fitted including indicators, most of the extra?? wiring not used has been removed, still have a horn type button up under the dash on the firewall that goes to earth when pushed - whatever that is about - maybe some sort of kill button, will test when I next have it running. New lights up front for park and flasher, extra tail lights removed and number plate light fitted. Waiting on windscreen catches, plus the arms that hold the windsceen open/closed, wiper motor/s and the button I will adapt to be the horn button in steering wheel. Steering wheel repairs in progress, should be ready to sand down tomorrow. New grade 5 bolts in the drawbar done and dash lights done, so making progress. Probably start on brakes next.
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Always waiting for parts, bummer. At least it gives me time to tackle other things. Checking up for tyres, still need to find a couple of wheels - got 2 MB type and 2 CJ3B type, plus a set of 8' wide steel sunraiser type, but would like another 2 MB type - got the right rear wheel cylinder off and apart, will hone it and see if it's any good, certainly needs new seals, maybe a couple of new wheel cylinders might be in order. Finished the steering wheel repair, came out good. First horn button too small for what I want, bigger one on the way to recreate the original in middle of steering wheel - making progress!!!
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Ugh... waiting for parts is the worst! I always had to plan 2 weekends ahead. I'd usually place an order for parts on Sunday afternoon. They would arrive 8 or 9 days later, then I'd have to wait for the weekend to install them.
I also chose to rebuild the wheel cylinders. I don't think it saved much money, but at least I got to dig around in there and see what made them work.
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I've been out of action for a couple weeks, away on "holiday" in hospital for some repair work. Managed to snap up a set of 4 after-market wheels with good mud tyres between visits. Rear wheel cylinders sleeved with stainless while I was away, now new seals fitted and in progress of re-assembling rear brakes. All the windscreen securing/adjusting latches and catches arrived and now fitted, so another bit done. Brakes should be finished this week, then on to wipers and clutch operation. Still waiting for vin and dash tags. Unfortunately having it on the road by Christmas is now out the window, but shouldn't be long into the new year when I get it roadworthy.
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It looks like 2021 is a better year to "start out" with it any way. Start the year off right! May I ask who did the SS sleeves on your cylinders? Thanks.
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I got the cylinders stainless sleeved at "Clutch & Brake Specialists" in Geelong (Victoria, Australia). They also supplied the new seals, boots and a replacement bleed screw as one was suspect.
Now on to the handbrake. The cable fitted is either too long on the inner, or too short on the outer by around 2" (50mm). I notice a few comments from others with similar problems. I'm in the process of designing a simple sleeve extension for the outer that will attach at the crossmember mounting point, now just need to make it and fit it. Clutch operation next - very stiff with minimal pedal travel.
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Handbrake outer adaptor made and fitted. Quite simple construction and if you make it, just make it long enough to eliminate the excess cable length. One picture shows adaptor on the cable, second one shows it bolted in place on crossmember.
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It looks beefy enough. Hope it holds up to brake application stress.
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Thanks for comment. It's way stronger than the original cable mount with heavy wall thickness, seems to work fine so far.
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Dare I temp fate and comment? The electrical system is now completed apart from connecting the wiper motor when it arrives. Finally got the rest sorted and the high beam indicator light was the last piece of the puzzle. Brakes all done, wheels, tyres, mudguard (fender) flares done, windscreen fittings done. Think I only need to fit the wiper motor, connect the vacuum gauge, give it a service and it should be ready for roadworthy check, then I can get it on the road. Will add more pictures when it comes out of my workshop soon after Christmas.
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Well now you've done it. Not paranoid at all, but for this reason I hold back until it has happened. lol
Hopefully, all the pieces will fall in place.
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Only need to grease the front drive shaft and front drag link joint and underneath is finished. New oil and filters right through and back to waiting for parts - rear view mirrors and new vin tags on the way.
Someone was asking about the firewall modification for the 6 cylinder engine, so hopefully I've attached a picture of each side of the firewall.
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Finally down off the jack stands and ramps. Underneath is finished and chassis number confirmed. Had to pull the right front fender to get at it. Now waiting for some parts, also waiting for the canvas guy to return from holidays so he can stitch up a bikini top for me. Got the design and canvas, just need to add dimensions.
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Well things get in the way sometimes. Went to book in for a roadworthy check and first question was "does it have the original engine?" Life went downhill from there. Even though it had been previously registered with this engine, things have changed. South Australia (where the Jeep came from) updated their registration system to digital in 2010 and all old records of previously registered vehicles were "lost". Further downhill we go, sinking feeling in pit of stomach - Victorian registration branch has updated there requirements for motor vehicle registration - any modifications from original need engineering approval and they quote several papers and give you a list of approved engineers. Following down this path and due to the power increase % and capacity increase % it turns out Jeep will need a minimum of dual circuit brakes, collapsible steering column, approved roll cage, approved seat belts, etc, etc. I added up the costs associated and it would be close to $10k to put it on the road legally. I moved it to the back corner of my workshop and it stayed there until early this month when I bought a used F-134 engine from another Jeep guy. I'm now in the process of restoring this engine and of course waiting on parts again. No engineers certificate if fitted with an original type engine, so hoping to get it on the road sometime this year.
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Another "government gotcha" trying to drive out "motoring enthusiasts and DIY hobbyist"... IMO.
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Good times.....
So you've got an "inspection" engine to prep. What happens after the inspection/registration is complete?
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Hi Rus, it was going to be an "inspection" engine, but now I've gotten into it, it will stay there and I'll sell the non-original type engine. It will be initially offed to other Jeep people complete with adaptor plate and engine mounts as a "bolt-in" deal - it would be ideal for a pointy nose conversion. The 6 cylinder was brand new when fitted in the early '80's and has only done 3000 miles. It runs fine and has just had a full service, but I can't see the value of swapping it back in again.
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Interesting is the best word I can find for this engine. It's a '61-62 F-134 and as I've stripped it down I've found some things like new and others worn out. It's been bored 40 over and bores are in good shape. Ring gaps about .125" and oil rings worn right down into the expanders. Non-original pistons - no T slots - and so far no oil holes in the con rods to lubricate the cylinders. Most unusual.
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Found the tiny little holes in the rods, so that's all good, rods had been installed correctly, further investigation on the pistons showed they can go in either way around. New rings are due to arrive today, cylinder head studs ordered to replace the head bolts, due in about another 8 days, gaskets have arrived, oil pickup float cleaned and repaired so it will float - it had a small hole drilled in and was full of old oil, so it sat in the gunk in the bottom of the pan. All parts cleaned, painted and repaired where needed, all replacement correct size bolts, nuts and studs sourced, now ready to start assembly.
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Check the flat part of the aluminum neck that bolts to the block and supports the screen. They are always warped and dont fit flat on the block, resulting in an air leak. File it flat.
BW
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Thanks Bruce, but already done, something I learned a long time ago. Closed up the bottom end yesterday. Made a new short head stud today to replace the bolt under the carb, being grade 8 it wasn't the easiest one I've ever made - will test it tomorrow, but should be OK. Still waiting on the other 14 new long studs so fitting everything below the head. Will start removing the non-original engine during the next week and several small jobs to do while the front is off before the F head goes in.
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Finished rebuilding the F-134, now started pulling the Holden engine out. Stripped all the front off today, the Holden 6 will be on the floor sometime later this week. Then have to remove the modified mounts for the trans to move it forwards to where it's supposed to be, service the clutch shaft and put the F-head in place.
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Holden engine out and F-134 is in. Now repairing clutch linkage/s, then onto wiring "adjustments" - Holden engine wiring is all on opposite side, so have to strip looms and re-route wires. Radiator no good so have to find a replacement, another Jeep enthusiast donated an air cleaner - it's even got a metal label on it with 'made in Australia' on it, so perfect for this Aussie Jeep. Also figured I will need a new exhaust system, at least the muffler is re-usable so that's a bonus.
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I updated in the mechanical section, but short version here. Wiring loom modified, new radiator installed, engine running, all body panels back in place. Still need to do exhaust, then it's about ready for inspection. Still waiting on some minor parts, should arrive early May, so project right on track. Hoping to have exhaust done by the time the remaining parts arrive.
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Been a while since I posted, but bottom line is I eventually got the Jeep inspected and passed earlier this year. My hopes for having it done by Christmas had to take a back seat due to family issues, then the apprved guy who was to do the inspection pulled out "not enough time and you're putting too much pressure on me" he said????? Anyway, got the inspection done at another shop, now have historic registration on it. Learned a lot about the oddities of the Australian Jeeps along the way and some of it updated in the files section. Had problems with carburettor, so full rebuild only to find most of the trouble caused by electric fuel pump. New mechanical pump obtained and fitted, so running reasonably well. Now looking to upgrade the ignition system so once again waiting on parts, this time for the Lucas distributor, but at least it runs and drives now. Don't know if these things are ever "finished" but this one is pretty close for now.
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Looks good!